Legal Library

Legal Alerts/Articles

Legislation Introduced to Address Vulnerabilities of Power Grid to Cyber Threats

February 25, 2011

Law Firm: Venable LLP - Washington Office

Recently proposed federal legislation seeks to prevent and mitigate the impacts of cybersecurity attacks on the critical components of the Nation’s electrical infrastructure. In particular, the “SHIELD Act” aims to secure the bulk-power system and electrical infrastructure critical to the defense of the United States against the threat of a malicious electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or natural geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) that could cause widespread and long-lasting disruption, damage or destruction of electrical equipment. Other legislation proposes greater coordination among federal agencies in identifying and protecting against cyber threats, while seeking to safeguard privacy and civil liberties. These proposals are among other recent initiatives by the federal government to address the vulnerabilities of the power grid to cyber threats.

The views expressed in this document are solely the views of the author and not Martindale-Hubbell. This document is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for consultation with a licensed legal professional in a particular case or circumstance.

CONSUMER WEBSITES

The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or should be formed by the use of this site. The attorney listings on the site are paid attorney advertisements. Your access of/to and use of this site is subject to additional Supplemental Terms.